Day 90 – United in Mission for Eternity

Key Verse: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” 1 Corinthians 12:13, 14

When I think about unity, I am reminded of the famed Alexander the Great. A key point of his success was that his army was arranged on the battlefield in such a way that every soldier had enough space in the battle. No one would hinder the other. And yet, although they had their own space and position, they still stayed unified, fighting side by side as they kept their eyes on their commander. It’s interesting to note that Alexander did not direct his soldiers from the safety of the sidelines. He took his place amidst his army, fighting and bleeding with his soldiers. Isn’t it amazing that Christ has done the same for us? What a beautiful testimony.

Inspiration tells us, “Cooperation and unity are essential to a harmonious whole, each laborer doing his God-given work, filling his appropriate position, and supplying the deficiency of another” (Evangelism, 104).

In another place Sister White writes, “It is the purpose of God that His children shall blend in unity. Do they not expect to live together in the same heaven? Is Christ divided against Himself? Will He give His people success before they sweep away the rubbish of evil surmising and discord, before the laborers, with unity of purpose, devote heart and mind and strength to the work so holy in God’s sight? Union brings strength; disunion, weakness. United with one another, working together in harmony for the salvation of men, we shall indeed be ‘laborers together with God.’ Those who refuse to work in harmony greatly dishonor God. The enemy of souls delights to see them working at cross purposes with one another. Such ones need to cultivate brotherly love and tenderness of heart. If they could draw aside the curtain veiling the future and see the result of their disunion they would surely be led to repent” (Counsels to the Church, p. 43).

It’s not easy to blend in unity. If I disagree with someone, my natural reaction is often to distance myself from the person instead of finding a basis on which we can work together to fulfill our mission. But is this Christ’s method? No. It amazes me that Christ works with weak and erring men like me. It also amazes me that He’s willing to enter the battlefield with me and stand by my side, even when I am sometimes actually fighting against Him without realizing it.

What a great Lord and Master we serve! Let us pray that He will keep us united for eternity, united even if we must turn the other cheek at times, even if we must spill our blood for one another. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Again, as we struggle to become one, let us remember what is most important. Let us keep our eyes on our Commander. Let us keep our eyes on our mission. Let us lift up the cross. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).

That is what will keep us together!

Heart Prayer Challenge:

Father, help us to keep focused on You, the one who alone can bring us together. I admit that I do not have the mindset of You, our Heavenly Commander, as I should. Unfortunately, when there’s a rift between me and someone else, I get focused on the problems and prefer to keep my distance rather than striving for unity. Help me learn to see things the way You do. Make me willing to take the blow or turn the cheek rather than becoming a stumbling block to someone. Soon You will come back and take us home to heaven. Teach us how to love one another here so that we can live together in unity up there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray that during General Conference Session it would be evident to all that God has heard the prayers of His people and as a result is blessing abundantly above and beyond all we’ve asked or thought of.

Pray that God will fill the Alamodome with His Presence and that as soon as people walk in the doors they will sense the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pray that after Session is over, attendees and leaders would be inspired to go back to their home Divisions, Unions, and conferences and pray with the same fervency and passion for their leaders and churches, that this movement of intercessory prayer (holding up the arms of those in office – Ex. 17:12) would encircle the world helping usher in that full outpouring that we’ve been waiting for.

Pray that God bless Ron Smith, president of the Southern Union in the North American Division, who will be speaking for one of our morning devotionals during Session.

Pray that God bless the conversations and interaction that takes place in the exhibit hall in the convention center, that many connections be made for eternity and for furthering the work.

Pray for the “Harvest Celebration” testimonies that Ministerial is collecting to share at the Session, and that many more will be inspired to share their Holy Spirit inspired testimonies of how their lives have been revived during the last five years through Bible study and prayer.

Pray for the many mission reports that will be shared, that God will be glorified in every aspect.

Pray that many will be inspired to become missionaries in far away places (like MENA Union among others) where there is lack of workers and laborers.

Pray for an overall dynamic appreciation and spiritual enthusiasm for the mission of the church that will supersede any other topics of discussion.

Pray that these upcoming General Conference meetings be a turning point in our church history, thrusting us into the final movements in preparation for Jesus coming.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must BELIEVE that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently SEEK HIM.” Heb. 11:1,6